Not-so guilty pleasures
December 16, 2005 | 12:00am
It’s quite easy to neglect oneself during the hectic holiday season. Not that I’m a selfish Scrooge by any means but in-between shopping for other people’s gifts, attending to duties and racing from one festivity to another, why not take a minute to smell the roses? You shouldn’t have to completely sacrifice your personal well-being while satisfying the rest of the lot. To best enjoy this chaotic, party-laden time of year, it’s advisable to indulge yourselves a bit.
I’m really loving the latest collaboration from Maricris Alvarez and TC Alvarez-Sibal. Their super hot line T&C has grown from cotton beaded tanks to chiffon, silk crepe and metallic lace that weigh in heavily on the glam factor. As part of the Natori design team in NYC for the past eight years, TC takes her fashion experience and translates it into these tops. Intricately-designed, they are versatile enough to dress up or down, which makes going from day to night an uncomplicated transition. It can’t get any easier, gals. Paired with jeans, these gorgeous embellished tops are perfect for party hopping and should be a staple for any fashion-savvy lady who wants to exude effortless chic. Spoil yourselves and take one home as you can get lots of mileage out of them even after the holidays are over.
Love fine, handmade threads but don’t have the time to burn or cash to drop? Fibre, the one-stop-shop for all your couture cravings, is the brainchild of darling sisters Margie Duavit and Vicki de Leon. With events left and right and nothing to wear, fashionistas flock to Fibre, which showcases one-of-a-kind items from 10 members of the Young Designers Guild (YDG) housed in one unique boutique. Jam-packed calendars don’t permit time for fittings and tailor-made getups can sometimes drain the wallet so what better way to sample the local fashion scene than by checking out what Ivarluski Aseron, Louis Claparols, Ciara Marasigan, Reian Mata, LZ Punzalan, Mitzi Quillendrino, Yvonne Quisumbing-Romulo, James Reyes, Joey Samson and Mel Vergel de Dios have to offer? Who needs mass-produced imported items when we have a bevy of young talent on our shores geared to make us look our finest? Support your wardrobe and the local economy by buying Pinoy. You can mix and match separates from the different designers and pile on the jewelry available there to put your best foot forward. Men, don’t be shy. There are items for you, too.
Sad that you’re sticking around this season and not jetting off to some far-flung locale? Don’t fret because you can capture the essence and pulsating energy of the greatest city in the world, NYC, in a bottle. Bond No. 9 has a full-blown fragrance collection named after neighborhoods in New York. Edgy and whimsical, they convey that New York chutzpah that screams attitude. To brave this holiday season, I think that’s what we all could use. There are 16 neighborhood scents in all but I dare say Eau de New York is my fave. Racy and housed in a sleek white bottle covered in old NYC subway tokens, it transports me right to the heart of the city. Unisex, smelling of citrus fruits, ultra-fresh greens and delicate flowers, this is one scent I love. Another pleaser is Little Italy, which is sensual and uplifting, ideal for this time of year. It’s very light but still intriguing, similar to orange gelato found on the streets of this ethnic Italian-American neighborhood. You’ll be smelling so good, people at the parties will think you’re dessert.
With no time to spare for daily details, the easiest and most hassle-free skincare routine I can recommend is from Sjal. Swedish for spirit, mind, heart and soul, this line was created to address skin concerns with a minimal amount of products. This is exactly what we need at this particular time of year. When everything surrounding me is so stressful, I want to take the basic route and forgo anything complicated. Cela Intuitif and Kura Intutif are day and night creams that keep me powering through these busy weeks. An active, lightweight cream, Cela Intuitif diminishes the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines, moisturizes, improves pigmentation, protects against damage, soothes and hydrates. Kura Intutif, the night cream, is a more enriched version of the day cream. It reduces capillaries and dark circles while smoothing the skin.
Stop the Christmas madness and plan a tranquil escape for an hour. Personal time is precious and recharging those batteries is a must. After schlepping around the mall or following a draining party schedule, a massage is the answer to my prayers. Spa Mosaic, situated at 6750 Ayala Avenue, is just a stone’s throw away from the mall where you can be pampered with a Decleor massage targeted to relax (decompress after holiday hoopla), to detox (after partying too much), to tone (so stay away from the buffet) or for better circulation (get up and mingle more). Heavenly aromatic balms firmly massaged into the skin make me feel like a brand spanking new person. Serenity in an hour. You can sit in traffic for much longer than that.
Slicking your locks into different styles for all these events wreaks havoc on your hair so don’t ignore their silent request for some nourishment and care. Keep those tresses looking divine by stepping into Salon ESA, also at 6750, for a hair and scalp ritual. Dry weather and smoke-clad rooms affect the state of your hair whether you realize it or not. Personally customized using Kerastase products, each ritual is designed to treat your current hair condition. Salon ESA is a calming sanctuary in this urban jungle so a ritual is as relaxing as a mini vacation. Loaded with the newest glossies, this is also the ideal place to escape and catch up on what’s going on in the outside world while beautifying. Multi-tasking at its finest.
One last tip to keep you smiling all season long is a visit to the dentist. Though it’s hardly on anyone’s priority list, you’ll need to keep those pearly whites sparkling in all the family photos. With smoking and red wine consumption up at holiday events countered by coffee cravings the next day to nurse those hangovers, stains build up. A simple cleaning or tooth-whitening session can work wonders for your smile and overall appearance while a general checkup couldn’t hurt after all the sweets you’ve consumed. I get my cavities blasted by Dr. Mark Gan who saves me from the holes these sugar enemies have dug. He’s my saving grace who never lectures me no matter how many cavities I have.
After all that’s said has been done, I can’t think of a better gift to myself than spending quality time with my loved ones. Gather that Christmas spirit and enjoy the rest of this season. Besides, you’re looking terrific, so strut your stuff and spread that holiday cheer!
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